Briefing by António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General, on the Impact of Climate Change and Food Insecurity on the Maintenance of International Peace and Security; during the Security Council, 9547th meeting.

Speaking to reporters today (13 Feb) on the situation in Gaza, UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, said, “I am particularly worried with the deteriorating conditions and security for humanitarian aid delivery in Gaza.”

He added, “there is a breakdown in public order.”

The Secretary-General continued, “at the same time, we have restrictions imposed by Israel that are not improving and limit humanitarian distribution. On the other hand, the deconflicting mechanisms to protect humanitarian aid delivery in relation to humanitarian operations are not effective.”

“And so, my sincere hope is that negotiations for the release of hostages and some form of cessation of hostilities to be successful to avoid an all out offensive over Rafah, where the core of the humanitarian system is located and that would have devastating consequences,” said Guterres.

Answering a question on recent targeting of journalists in Gaza, the UN chief said, “I am deeply troubled by the number of journalists that have been killed in this conflict.”

The Secretary-General stressed, “Freedom of the press is a fundamental condition for the people to be able to know what is really happening everywhere in the world.”